Political Dictionary
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting only one.
Definition
Ranked-choice voting is an election method in which voters rank candidates first, second, third, and so on. The ballots are then counted according to the rules of the system. In single-winner instant-runoff voting, the lowest candidate is eliminated in rounds and ballots are transferred until a candidate reaches the required threshold.
Why It Matters
Supporters argue that ranked-choice voting gives voters more expressive choices and reduces the spoiler effect. Critics cite complexity, ballot exhaustion, and administrative challenges.
How It Works
First choices are counted. If no candidate meets the winning threshold, the lowest candidate is eliminated and those ballots transfer to the next available ranking. The process repeats until a winner emerges.
History
Ranked systems have been used in various countries and some U.S. localities for more than a century. Adoption has expanded in several states and cities, though other jurisdictions have prohibited it.
Example
A voter may rank Candidate B first, Candidate A second, and Candidate C third; if B is eliminated, the vote transfers to A.
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